Debating whether to sketch from a photo or from life at the park yesterday

I was at the little park off Elm Street yesterday, trying to doodle this big oak tree. My first sketch was from a photo on my phone, and it came out decent but felt flat, you know? Then a gust of wind knocked my sketchbook onto a muddy puddle, so I had to start over. This time I drew from the actual tree in front of me, and even though a squirrel kept distracting me and a kid threw a frisbee near my feet, the drawing looked way more alive. The branches felt real, not like a copy. But the photo version was cleaner and I could zoom in on details. So which is better for quick sketches? Has anyone else had a moment where drawing from life turned into a disaster but looked better anyway? I'm stuck on what to do next time I'm out.

3 comments

3 Comments

charles44213d ago

What if a pigeon lands on your easel mid-sketch... happens to me too often.

oscarc539d agoProlific Poster

You ever see a pigeon just completely take over someone's stuff? My buddy Dave was painting by the canal and one landed right on his palette. Grabbed a mouthful of blue paint and flew off with it. Came back five minutes later with a blue beak looking proud of himself.

the_emma13d ago

Are you sketching near a bakery @charles442?